Stresemann's Bristlefront

This Brazilian bird, with its distinctive forehead bristles, numbers fewer than 15. We still say it’s too soon to give up.

Stresemann's Bristlefront—a unique bird that nests in underground tunnels—went unrecorded for 50 years. Then, in 1995, it was rediscovered in Brazil's Bahia state, in the northwest Atlantic Forest.

Twenty years later, the species is thought to number fewer than 15. Victims of habitat loss, the birds have the misfortune to live in one of the most endangered forests in the world and are themselves among the species most likely to become extinct without intensive conservation action.

Brazil's Dwindling Atlantic Forest

Five hundred years ago, the Atlantic Forest extended along the coast of Brazil into Paraguay and northern Argentina. Today, it has been reduced to less than 10 percent of original extent due to logging and conversion to agriculture and pasture.

Stresemann's Bristlefront, photographed in the one place on Earth where the species survives. Photo by Ciro Albano

The effort will prevent species extinctions by identifying and safeguarding the places where Endangered or Critically Endangered species are restricted to single remaining sites.

Get Involved

We welcome all and every effort to help us "bring back the birds." If you would like to make a donation, please click here. Or visit our Get Involved page to learn more about how you can help. Together, we can make a difference for this special bird.